StarTech.com Secure 4-Port KVM Switch, HDMI or DisplayPort, 4K 60Hz, NIAP 4.0 Desktop KVM, Metal Housing, CAC Port, Made in the USA

Product Overview

AI-generated summary

For £1005 ex-VAT, this StarTech 4‑port Secure KVM is very much an “IT/security team first” purchase. If you’re in a regulated environment (healthcare, gov, defence, financial services) and you need a KVM that’s designed around stronger assurance—plus a CAC port—it makes a lot of sense. The metal build and the fact it’s aimed at enterprise use means you’ll spend less time faffing about with flaky switching, and more time relying on a setup that behaves predictably when multiple users and systems are involved.

That said, I wouldn’t buy it for a normal office lab or a small design team. If you don’t actually need the security posture/features (CAC/NIAP 4.0, secure desktop KVM intent), you’re paying a premium for governance and certification rather than everyday convenience. Also, KVMs like this tend to reward organisations that can standardise cabling, policies, and user workflows; if your environment is ad-hoc, you may find a simpler, cheaper KVM gets you 90% of the benefit with less cost risk. In short: buy it if you truly need the security angle and multiple-console control; skip it if this is just “I need to switch a couple of PCs” and security requirements are more of a nice-to-have than a must.